A place where learning just happens

IDEA House is a year-round program located in Canal Fulton, Ohio. We are dedicated to creating a sensory-friendly learning environment for children on the spectrum. We have three licensed intervention specialist,and several bachelor's level, master's level behavioral-trained personnel. We guide and advocate with and for parents regarding their child's IEP.

Year-round K-12 Non-Chartered. Non Taxed Supported School Monday-Thursday No Fridays A stage-not-age program Meets all state standards! Graduate completionaccepted by colleges and universities.

Heroes Music Program was held June 15 at Puffenburger Hall in Canal Fulton. Our students sang and presented an amazingshow for the public. ​​Congratulations to our recent graduate Ashlyn Cottrell!!You will succeed at anything in life! You have been such an amazing IDEA House student! We are so proud of you! Pictures of our beautiful concert.

​

, Autism: Pushing Past Can't and Stuck on Success Angi Shumate/Ann Kagarise Call to have them speak at your event, school, or business ​ 330-970-0777

Faces of IDEA House slide show...Enjoy the faces we see every day

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​School Choice Ohio hosted two Advocacy Days in celebration of School Choice Week. School choice champions, including Angi Shumate and Michelle Cahoon from IDEA House, met with Ohio leaders to talk about the importance of school choice.Click here to see pictures

Our very own Angi Shumate won the Temple Grandin Award for her contribution to the Autism community. Temple Grandin is an adult on the Autism Spectrum and is well known as a teacher and advocate for those on the spectrum. She is most known for her contributions to animal behavior, especially with cows. She has paved the way for many on the spectrum. Mrs. Shumate left the public schools to make run her own school for those on the spectrum. She is a licensed behavioral interventionist and has helped many on the spectrum to thrive. She has taken her own money, time, and energy to make IDEA House a reality. Now, her dream has literally changed lives. Here is a link to the winners of the Temple Grandin Award.

CBS Inspiring People with Autism 2016 along with Temple Grandin and 18 others.Here is the link

Listen to Angi and Ann, on WHBC radio.

Listen to a message from Angi, owner of IDEA House. She has had great success reaching kids on the spectrum. Ann is her assistant director and on the spectrum, herself. We are very thankful to WHBC for supporting IDEA House and getting the message out there about Autism. You can listen to the audio link at WHBC Radio.

Akron Beacon Journal recognizes IDEA House​Jewell Cardwell: Autism school founder gets national awardBy Jewell Cardwell Beacon Journal columnisBig, beautiful bouquets to Angi Shumate, who has been tapped to receive the national Temple Grandin Award, named for the author, professor, motivational speaker and inventor who’s been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Shumate is one of 13 recipients this year, but the only one who isn’t herself on the autism spectrum. She is founder of IDEA House, a North Canton school for children on the autism spectrum, including Asperger’s syndrome. She was nominated by her assistant, Ann Kagarise. Kagarise is accomplished in several fields and is herself on the autism spectrum and identifies very well with their students, who range in age from 7 to almost 16. “Temple Grandin is probably the most well-known and famous adult with autism,” Shumate said. “There’s even been a movie about her. She is the epitome of what individuals with autism spectrum disorder can achieve and how far one can go given the right support and drive.” Shumate, formerly a special education teacher in the public school system, said it was always her dream to provide educational services and new opportunities for children with autism. “I’m fascinated the way their minds work and excited to create methods to engage the students to help break down the barriers or stumbling blocks and allow them to stretch their comfort zone. … We’ve seen students do so many things that astound their parents.” Children from Stark and Summit counties whose parents desire more of a one-on-one educational experience attend IDEA House on Ohio Autism Scholarships.

Autism is no laughing matter. If you are going to a normal school, they treat you like an idiot, like an outcast. No one wanted to play with me at my old school. They didn't want anything to do with me. I like it here because I'm not treated different. James Gaul--student at IDEA House

My child did not want to go to school, but not he can't wait for school. He is upset when there is no school.Samantha--IDEA House parent

I am amazed at how far he has come in the last two years there. I give lots of credit to IDEA House for helping him with the social skills he needs. Their goal is not for a child to be 'good' at something, but be amazing in whatever they decide to do in their future.Sue Hewitt, IDEA House parent

To discover and explore

To be understood and accepted​

To be challenged​

To be safe

To find your smile

Angi Dispina-Shumate is owner and director of the school. She has her teaching license from the Ohio Department of Education and has over 25 years of experience working with children who have disabilities. Angi is also an intervention specialist K-12 with a concentration in autism. "I wanted to open the school because I wanted the kids to have a more rounded education that the schools could not provide due to the structure of a school setting."

Why support IDEA House?" Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorders, yet the most underfunded. Ever wonder where your donation dollars are going when you decide to support a cause or organization? ONE HUNDRED PERCENT... 100%... of your donation goes DIRECTLY to the IDEA House kids!